The starting point of this research is the observation that tutors in the Computing Sciences (CS) Department at NMMU require more support than they currently receive in order to be effective. This research project investigated how technology could be used to support tutors during practical sessions. Focus group discussions with tutors in the CS Department revealed that challenges exist which hinder them from effectively assisting students during practical sessions. Through analysis of focus group discussions and literature regarding the use of technology in education, it was determined that a tablet PC could be used to support tutors by providing on-demand access to practical content and answers to frequently asked questions. Existing models using technology in education to support either students or tutors in learning were investigated. A conceptual model using technology to support tutors during practical sessions was designed and proposed based on features of the existing models which were considered relevant to the CS context, and ways in which they could support tutors. Relevant features of the conceptual model include the system, purpose, boundary, key variables and best practices applied to the technological component of the model. During development of the model, these features were considered. In the context of the CS Department, a tablet PC tool was used by tutors as a means to support themselves and assist students during practical sessions. The tool is a component of the model which provides practical information. Each layer of the model’s three layer architecture was tested to ensure that the correct information is provided, on demand, to tutors during practical sessions. Positive results from a field study evaluation revealed that the conceptual model, using a tablet PC tool, could be applied to the CS context with the intention of supporting tutors during practical sessions.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nmmu/vital:27081 |
| Date | January 2016 |
| Creators | Evert, Candice Elaine, Van der Post, Leda |
| Publisher | Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Faculty of Science |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis, Masters, MSc |
| Format | xv, 164 leaves, pdf |
| Rights | Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University |
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